According to a2zgov, Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz Republic) (Kyrgyz: Кыргызстан, English: Kyrgyzstan) is a country in Asia bordering Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China and Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan has been independent from the former Soviet Union since 1991. The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek (Bishkek). A number of major cities in Kyrgyzstan are: Batken, Jalal-Abad, Osh, Naryn and Talas.

Kyrgyzstan is known for its hilly landscape. Half of the country is above 3000 meters altitude. This part is called the Tian Shan Mountains. In Kyrgyzstan there is a very big lake called Issyk Kul. This lake is no less than 182 by 60 kilometers and is known for its warm temperature. Several snow-capped peaks surround this lake. The population consists mostly of nomads, who are known for their primitive life and their hospitality. See rctoysadvice for the most beautiful national parks in Asia.

Where is Kyrgyzstan?

Travel information of Kyrgyzstan

Official name: Kyrgyz Republic
Continent: Asia
Area: 199,900 km²
Capital: Bishkek (Bishkek)
Country code: KG, KGZ
Population: 5,964,897 inhabitants (2020)
Form of government: Republic
Highest point: 7,439 m (Victory Peak, Victory Peak)
Distance (Amsterdam – Bishkek): 5,288 km
Flight time: approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes

Travel advice
Current status: All non-essential travel to the border area with Tajikistan is discouraged.
Current color code: Yellow and orange.

Corona
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), (temporary) measures may apply in Kyrgyzstan that you as a tourist may have to deal with. For the most up-to-date corona travel advice, please refer to our special coronavirus travel advice page. For the number of current corona infections, number of deaths and various corona-related graphs of Kyrgyzstan, please visit Countryaah.

Travel offer
On our travel offer page you will find an overview of reliable travel organizations that offer complete tours and holidays to Kyrgyzstan. In addition, you will find an overview of separate travel components (hotels and airline tickets) with which you can compile your ideal trip yourself.

Travel guides and maps
Are you looking for a travel guide, map, hiking map, cycling map, book or DVD about Kyrgyzstan?

Excursions, activities and day trips
With the help of Countryaah you can reserve an excursion, activity, tour, entrance ticket and/or day trip for your stay in Kyrgyzstan at a discount. This way you are assured of a place, in some cases you can skip the queue and you can already plan your travel program.

Weather and climate
Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate. In the summer months the temperatures are around 25 to 35 degrees and in the winter months around freezing point.
The current weather (weather forecast) and a weather forecast for Kyrgyzstan can be found on our extensive weather page.
Extensive information about the climate of Kyrgyzstan can be found at Climate info.

Best time
April, May, September and October are the best months to travel to Kyrgyzstan.
This avoids the cold winter period and the hot summer period.

Language
Kyrgyz is the official language in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, Russian and English are spoken.
Would you like to translate from or into Kyrgyz for free? Use the Google translator for this.

Travel documents
You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Kyrgyzstan.
A visa is not necessary if you stay in Kyrgyzstan for less than 60 days. However, you must register with the local authorities on arrival if you want to stay longer than 5 days.

Embassies and consulates
Below is an overview of relevant diplomatic representations, including addresses and contact details.
Netherlands Embassy in Kazakhstan (also for Kyrgyzstan):
netherlandsworldwide.nl.
Dutch consulate in Kyrgyzstan: netherlandsworldwide.nl.
Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Belgium (also for the Netherlands): rijksoverheid.nl.
For urgent assistance, you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24/7 on +31247247247.

Vaccination (inoculation)
Before visiting Kyrgyzstan it is advisable to get one or more vaccinations.
For extensive vaccination advice and to make a vaccination appointment at home, please visit Thuisvaccinatie.nl. You can also see here whether your health insurance reimburses the vaccination(s).

Malaria
Malaria occurs in Kyrgyzstan. Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by malaria mosquitoes. This infectious disease can lead to death if not treated in time and/or incorrectly.
For prevention and control of malaria, please visit our malaria page.

Money and Currency matters
In Kyrgyzstan you pay with the Kyrgyzstan som (KGS).
The current position of this currency (currency, currency) can be found on our exchange rate page.
An overview of all ATMs in Kyrgyzstan can be found on our ATMs page.

Price level
Prices in Kyrgyzstan are much lower than in the Netherlands. The price difference with the Netherlands is -59% on average. Some examples are: restaurants (74% cheaper), food (52% cheaper), imported beer in catering (60% cheaper), cigarettes (87% cheaper) and public transport (95% cheaper). Please note that the price difference in tourist areas, especially during high season, may vary.

Tipping
In Kyrgyzstan it is customary to tip. Good service is about 10% tip.

Time difference
During our summer time it is 4 hours later in Kyrgyzstan.
During our winter time it is 5 hours later in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan has no difference in winter time and summer time.
Check the local time, date and time zone for Kyrgyzstan on our time difference page.

Traffic and route
In Kyrgyzstan you have to drive on the right.
You do not need an international driver’s license to drive and/or rent a motor vehicle in Kyrgyzstan.
With the Google route planner you can compile a route description from, to or within Kyrgyzstan.

Electricity
In Kyrgyzstan the same plugs and sockets are used as in the Netherlands.
More information about electricity in Kyrgyzstan can be found on our electricity page.

Emergency services
If you need help from the police, fire brigade and/or ambulance in an emergency, you can use the emergency numbers below.
– Police: 102 (Bishkek and Osh)
– Fire: 101 (Bishkek and Osh)
– Ambulance: 103 (Bishkek and Osh)

Tap water
It is not recommended to drink water from the tap.
If you are unable to buy bottled water, use a water purifier to purify the water or boil the water for 5 minutes. After this you can safely use it as drinking water and for things like brushing teeth, cleaning lenses and washing vegetables and / or fruit. More information about drinking water and/or the purchase of water purification products can be found on our drinking water page.

News and newspapers
The latest news related to Kyrgyzstan can be found on Google news.
An overview of the newspapers from Kyrgyzstan can be found on Abyznewslinks.

Internet
Websites from Kyrgyzstan end with.kg.
Kyrgyzstan official website: gov.kg.

Telephony
The country code (international access code) to call someone in Kyrgyzstan is 00996 or +996.
Do you want to call the Netherlands from Kyrgyzstan? Then use the Dutch country code 0031 or +31.
(If using a country code, omit the leading 0 of the number to be called.)

Photos and videos
On Flickr you will find a nice collection of photos from Kyrgyzstan.
On Youtube you will find a nice collection of videos from Kyrgyzstan.

Holidays
An overview of all holidays in Kyrgyzstan can be found on Beleven.org.

Reviews and travel experiences
On Zoover and TripAdvisor you will find reviews from travelers about accommodations (eg hotels and holiday homes), restaurants and destinations in Kyrgyzstan, supplemented with photos, videos and places of interest.

Travelogues
Are you looking for a travelogue about Kyrgyzstan?
Here you will find travel reports and experiences of travelers who have previously visited Kyrgyzstan. It is also possible to keep a free diary of your trip for family and/or friends.

Nature and world heritage
An overview of the protected nature areas (including national parks, reserves and wildlife parks) in Kyrgyzstan can be found on Protected Planet.
An overview of the world heritage sites in Kyrgyzstan can be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Customs rules
Do you want to know how much you are allowed to import and export when traveling to Kyrgyzstan? On the IATA website you will find an overview with the maximum quantities of cigarettes, alcohol and money, among other things. If you stick to these quantities, you don’t have to declare anything to customs. In addition, on this website you will find the laws and regulations regarding the importation of pets and a list of everything that may not be imported and/or exported from Kyrgyzstan.

Relevant legislation
Below you will find relevant legislation and regulations that you may encounter during your visit to Kyrgyzstan.
– Alcohol: Buying and/or drinking from the age of 18.
– Alcohol and traffic: The maximum permitted alcohol content is 0.5.
– Tobacco: Buy from the age of 18, smoking at all ages.
– Smoking ban: In public places.
– Homosexuality: Allowed

Did you know that…
…Ruins of Buddhist monasteries have been found in Kyrgyzstan?
…In recent years, a network of accommodation with local families has emerged in Kyrgyzstan?
… Kyrgyzstan does not border any sea?
… Kyrgyzstan is part of the former Silk Road?
…70% of the landscape consists of mountains?
…Mare’s milk is a widely consumed drink in Kyrgyzstan?